Renovations at Mayerthorpe High School that began in 2016 are near completion, including the updated lobby area and hallways.

Built in 1968, the school received its first major renovation in 1993 and hadn't received another until last year.

Principal Dafydd Thomas described the school as having a modernized look now. He noted that these new renovations were funded though a provincial allotment that primarily goes to older schools in need of upgrades.

"New schools get basic (renovation funding). Old schools get the lion's share," he said.

Some of the renovations that have occurred over the past year include new floors, roof repairs, a new parking lot, an electronic sign and new learning common areas that are furnished.

The school also recently replaced its SMART Boards with Google Chrome devices and has a special classroom for teleconferencing with schools in Fox Creek and Evansburg.

One of the most unique additions is the new medial wing, which Thomas said was built in conjunction with Gateway Academy and is used for health care training.

"We're one of a handful of schools in Alberta that offers a health care aid program," he added.

Thomas said the only work left for the school was its downspouts for rainwater, which were taken off for the roof repairs.